Bottle ball game

ABSTRACT

A game adaptable to substantially mimic playing or scoring aspects of a variety of sports while making substantial use of inexpensive commonly available components, such as, for example, glass or plastic bottles, such as water, soda, or beer bottles; ping pong balls; cardboard drink coasters; and drinking straws. The bottle elevates and supports a scoring structure. A basketball embodiment is disclosed operable to substantially mimic a ball-shooting aspect of basketball. The basketball scoring structure includes a backboard and a basket coupled with the bottle; a ball, such as a ping pong ball, is provided for shooting. A football embodiment is also disclosed, wherein the football scoring structure includes a goal post assembly, partly constructed of conventional drinking straws; a ball is provided for “kicking”. Possible rules and variations thereof are provided for each embodiment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to games that substantially mimicone or more aspects of a sport. More particularly, the invention relatesto a game adaptable to substantially mimic playing or scoring aspects ofa variety of sports, such as, for example a ball-shooting aspect ofbasketball or a kicking aspect of football, while making substantial useof inexpensive commonly available components, including glass or plasticbottles, such as water, soda, or beer bottles; ping pong balls;cardboard drink coasters; and drinking straws.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] It is often desirable to provide and play games, particularly,for example, at a party, bar, or similar social setting. Furthermore, inmany such situations it is desirable to provide and play games relatedto and, preferably, substantially mimicking a sport, such as, forexample, basketball or football.

[0005] It will be appreciated that such games currently exist in avariety of forms, including medium-scale versions, electronic versions,and board and miniature game versions. Medium-scale versions involveactual playing equipment reduced in scale. Electronic versions includevideo games, such as stand-alone arcade games and home entertainmentgame systems, as well as electromechanical games, such as thoseemploying vibration to move pieces and otherwise result in playingaction. Board games typically include a game board, playing pieces, oneor more die, and cards.

[0006] Unfortunately, all three versions suffer from commondisadvantages making them undesirable for use in some settings. Forexample, all three can require components that are expensive, easilydamaged or lost, or providable only in limited numbers. Specifically,medium-scale versions of many popular sports require more space thanmany social settings, such as private homes and bars, can convenientlyor safely accommodate. Electronic versions are expensive and easilydamaged, and therefore cannot be provided in sufficient quantities tosatisfy more than a handful of customers or guests. Board and miniaturegames are too easily damaged and the components are easily lost.Furthermore, all three versions can require substantial initialacquisition costs, and may, depending upon their particular natures,require frequent costly repair, upgrade, or replacement.

[0007] Due to these and other problems and disadvantages in the art, animproved game is needed that substantially mimics one or more aspects ofa sport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention overcomes the above-described problems anddisadvantages to provide a game adaptable to substantially mimic playingor scoring aspects of a number of different sports while makingsubstantial use of inexpensive commonly available components, such as,for example, glass or plastic bottles, such as water, soda, or beerbottles; ping pong balls; cardboard drink coasters; and drinking straws.

[0009] In a preferred first embodiment, the game is adapted tosubstantially mimic a ball-shooting aspect of basketball. This firstembodiment comprises a ball; a bottle; a backboard; a basket; and a ballreturn device. The ball may be constructed of any suitable material,such as plastic or foam; a conventional ping pong ball, for example, maybe used. The bottle provides support for elevating and maintaining thebackboard and the basket in a playing position. The bottle is preferablya beer, wine, or soda bottle. The backboard may be a custom structure, asimple cardboard drink coaster, or a cardboard cutout from food or otherpackaging, such as, for example, a cereal or shoe box. The basketcomprises a rim and a net, wherein the net depends from the rim, the rimattaches to the backboard, and the backboard is attached to a mechanismfor removably coupling with the bottle. The ball return device iscoupled with the bottle directly below the basket such that the deviceoperates to deflect the ball back into play following a successful shot.

[0010] In a preferred second embodiment, the game is adapted tosubstantially mimic a kicking aspect of football. This second embodimentcomprises components substantially similar to those described above;however, the backboard and the basket are replaced with a goal postassembly comprising a goal post, a crossbar, and left and rightuprights. The left and right uprights may be constructed of twoconventional drinking straws.

[0011] A rule set and rule variations are provided for each game, thoughall or particular rules may be eliminated, added, or changed as desiredwithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, itwill be appreciated, the game structures are independent of anyparticular rules.

[0012] Thus, it will be appreciated, the present invention provides anumber of advantages over the prior art, including an inexpensivenature, being constructable of inexpensive and readily availablecomponents, which allows a host or proprietor to acquire and maintain anample number of the games for use by guests or customers.

[0013] Furthermore, the game is portable such that it may be easilytransported to a table or booth for play. Additionally, the game allowsfor advertising, whether free or fee-generating, in the form of businesscards, drink coasters, or similar advertising announcements permanentlyor removably affixed to or acting as the backboard or ball returndevice.

[0014] These and other important aspects of the present invention aremore fully described in the section entitled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF APREFERRED EMBODIMENT, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a diagramatical depiction of a preferred basketballembodiment of the present invention in operation, as viewed from theside;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevational view of a preferred firstembodiment of a scoring structure portion of the basketball embodimentof the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an assembled side elevational view of the preferredfirst embodiment of the scoring structure shown in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an exploded side elevational view of a preferred secondembodiment of the scoring structure portion of the basketball embodimentof the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the preferred secondembodiment of the scoring structure shown in FIG. 4;

[0021]FIG. 6 is an exploded side elevational view of a preferred thirdembodiment of the scoring structure portion of the basketball embodimentof the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of aretaining clip portion of the basketball embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the retaining clip of FIG. 7mounted on a cylindrical structure which is, in turn, mounted on abottle;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of abasket portion of the basketball embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of ashot blocking component for use with the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of ashot ramp component for use with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a diagramatical depiction of a preferred footballembodiment of the present invention in operation, as viewed from theside;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a preferred scoringstructure portion of the football embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the scoring structure shownin FIG. 13 coupled with a bottle using a preferred first couplingmechanism;

[0030]FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the scoring structure shownin FIG. 13 coupled with the bottle using a preferred second couplingmechanism;

[0031]FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a preferred kicking devicefor use with the football embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a preferred firstconfiguration of a backstop device for use with the present invention;and

[0033]FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of a preferred secondconfiguration of the backstop device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a bottle ball game 20 is shown constructedin accordance with a preferred basketball embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the game 20 is adapted to substantially mimic aball-shooting aspect of the sport of basketball while making substantialuse of inexpensive existing components. The game 20 is easily adaptableto mimic aspects of other sports as well, and a preferred footballembodiment 200, adapted for substantially mimicking a kicking aspect ofthe sport of football, is also described herein (see FIGS. 12-16).Exemplary rule sets for use in playing the games 20,200 are set forthbelow; it will be appreciated, however, that the games 20,200 may beconsidered independent of some or all of the rules in that rules may beadded, eliminated, or changed without departing from the contemplatedscope of the present invention.

[0035] The preferred basketball embodiment of the game 20 broadlycomprises a ball 22; a bottle 24; and a scoring structure 26. The ball22 may be a foam or plastic ball of suitable shape, size, and weightgiven the sport being mimicked. In the present embodiment, for example,a conventional ping-pong ball may be used to mimic a basketball. Asdesired, the ball 22 may be colored or textured to more closely resemblean actual ball used in the sport.

[0036] The bottle 24 elevates and stabilizes the scoring structure 26 ina playing position. The bottle 24 may be an open glass bottle, such as,for example, a commonly available water, juice, beer, wine, or liquorbottle, or a closed plastic bottle, such as, for example, a commonlyavailable two liter, one liter, twenty ounce, or sixteen ounce softdrink bottle or other plastic bottle having a similarly sized cap. Thebottle 24 may be weighted as needed to maintain stability; suitableweighting materials include, for example, marbles, sand, or fluid.

[0037] Referring also to FIGS. 2-9, the scoring structure 26 or goalwill vary depending upon the sport. In the present embodiment 20,however, the scoring structure 26 mimics the backboard and basketstructures of basketball, and comprises a retaining clip 28; a backboard30; a basket 32, including a rim 34 and a net 36; a ball deflector 38;and a shot ring 40. In the football embodiment 200, described below, thescoring structure 226 mimics the goalpost assembly of football.

[0038] The retaining clip 28 couples the backboard 30 with an open mouthportion 44 of the bottle 24, thereby securely supporting the backboard30 in the elevated playing position. Two types of retaining clips arecontemplated, a first clip 28 for open glass bottles (see FIGS. 1-6),and a second clip 29 for closed plastic bottles (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Thefirst clip 28 includes an upper spring leg 50, operable to compressivelyengage the backboard 30, and a lower spring leg 55, operable tocompressively engage an open mouth portion 44 of the bottle 24.

[0039] The second clip 29 includes an upper spring leg 51 and two lowerspring legs 57 operable to be placed over and engage a substantiallyhollow cylindrical structure 59 placed over a bottle cap portion 61 of aclosed bottle 25, thereby further elevating the scoring structure 26. Asuitable cylindrical structure 59 is found in a conventional 35 mm filmcase. Alternatively, the second clip 29 may be placed directly over thebottle cap portion 61 of the closed bottle 25. Rubber bands 63,65 may beused to further secure the clip 29 to the bottle 25.

[0040] Furthermore, each type of clip may, as desired, couple with thebackboard 30 either fixedly (see FIG. 2), resulting in a stiffer reboundeffect, or rotatably (see FIGS. 4), absorbing rebound energy to resultin a softer rebound effect. Rotation may be achieved using a hinge-typeconnection 53 on the upper leg 50,51, of the retaining clip 28,29. Aftersuch rotation, the weight of the backboard 30 returns it to the playingposition.

[0041] The backboard 30 serves the same function as backboards used inbasketball—to deflect the ball 22 either into the basket 32 or back intoplay. The backboard 30 may be any other suitable shape, including squareor rectangular, with sharp or rounded corners, or circular; and may beconstructed of any suitable material, including plastic, cardboard, orwood; and may be cut from food or other packaging, such as, for example,a cereal or shoe box. Thus, for example, in one embodiment, shown inFIGS. 2-4, the backboard 30 preferably provides a mechanism fordisplaying an advertisement, such as a drink coaster or business card,whether permanently or removably attached thereto, such as, for example,by a rubber band or glue. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, thebackboard 20 is nothing more than a conventional cardboard drink coaster70. Where the backboard 30 is of sufficient thickness, a clip slot 48may be let into the bottom thereof so as to receive the upper leg 50 ofthe retaining clip 28. Where the hinge-type connection 53 is used, thebackboard may present a hinge slot operable to pivotably receive andretain the hinge-type connection 53.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the backboard 20 may further comprise a hook54 and one or more magnets 56. The hook 54 is operable to hold one endof a rubber band 58, with the band's other end being engaged by theretaining clip 28, thereby securely coupling the backboard 30 with theclip 28. The hook 28 may also be operable to allow the backboard 30 tobe hung therefrom, such as on a wall, when not in use. The one or moremagnets 56 allow the backboard 30 to be magnetically attached to asurface, such as, for example, a refrigerator or filing cabinet, whennot mounted upon the bottle 24. It will be appreciated that othermechanisms, such as, for example, suction cups (not shown), may also beused to removably affix the backboard 30 to a surface.

[0043] In another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the hook 54 iseliminated and two pairs of slots 62,64, are cut into the backboard 30to receive end portions of rubber bands 58,68 so that the bands 58,68may be stretched therebetween to securely hold, respectively, theretaining clip 28 and a drink coaster 46.

[0044] As mentioned, referring also to FIG. 9, the basket 32 comprisesthe rim 34 and net 36, which are analogous to those structures found onfull-sized regulation basketball equipment. The net 36 may beconstructed of plastic, cotton mesh, wire mesh, knotted string, orsimilar material. The net 36 is glued, tied, snapped, looped, orotherwise attached to the rim 34, which is attached to a rim clip 72,which is attached to the backboard 30 using any suitable means, such as,for example, the rubber band 58. Alternatively, the net, rim, andbackboard 36,34,32, may be provided as a single, inseparable unit,thereby facilitating storage and preventing loss of individualcomponents. The rim 34 is proportionally sized to pass the ball 22; thenet 36 depends from the rim 34 and may be constructed from eithernatural or synthetic material. The rim clip 72 may be constructed ofmetal or plastic; presents a hook 74 at one end for attaching the rubberband 58; and may include a hinge 76 to allow the basket 32 to be foldedsubstantially flat against the backboard 30 for storage.

[0045] Referring again to FIG. 1, the ball deflector piece 38 coupleswith the bottle 24 directly beneath the net 36 and presents a flatsurface 80 operable to deflect the falling ball 22 back into play. Theflat surface 80 of the ball deflector piece 38 may comprise, forexample, a drink coaster, a business card, or a plastic sleeve operableto permanently or removably retain a business card or otheradvertisement or message. The deflector piece 38 may be coupled with thebottle 24 using any suitable means, such as, for example, a rubber band82 and a binder clip 84. The flat surface 80 should extend outwardlyfrom the bottle 24 at an angle of approximately 450 so as to properlyserve its deflection function.

[0046] The shot ring 40 may be used, as described below, to adddifficulty to the game by requiring that a shot attempt first bouncewithin the horizontally-positioned ring 40 (as shown in FIG. 1) or passthrough the vertically-positioned ring (not shown) 40 prior to enteringthe basket 32. The ring 40 may be constructed of any material, such as,for example, plastic or wood, and may be of adjustable size or of anyappropriate fixed size. Furthermore, multiple rings 40 may be usedsimultaneously or in the course of a single game to vary the playingchallenge.

[0047] Referring also to FIG. 10, an optional shot blocking device 90 isshown operable to be used, in some variations of the game 10, by a firstplayer to block the shot of a second player. The blocking device 90broadly comprises a paddle 92 and a handle 94. The paddle 92 may be anysuitable shape, such as round or square, preferably 1.5-2.0 inches indiameter or width, and constructed of any suitable material, such asplastic, wood, or cardboard. To facilitate coupling the paddle 92 withthe handle 94, the paddle 92 may present a coupling projection 96operable to securely engage the handle 94. The handle 94 may anyelongated substantially cylindrical structure, but is preferably aconventional drinking straw or pen or pencil. In the illustratedembodiment, the handle 94 is a hollow drinking straw and the paddle 92is coupled therewith by the cylindrical projection 96 which removablyfits snugly within one end of the straw 94.

[0048] Referring also to FIG. 11, an optional shot ramp 98 is shownoperable to facilitate shot-making from the playing surface. The shotramp 98 is a curved ramp operable when the ball 22 is placed upon theramp 98 and a force applied to the ball 22, to launch the ball 22 withan upward trajectory toward the basket 32. Such force may be appliedwith a finger in any of a number of well-known ways. Optionally, a clip97 may be included operable to secure the shot ramp 98 to the playingsurface.

[0049] Referring also to FIG. 17, a preferred first embodiment of anoptional backstop 320 is shown operable to facilitate preventing a shot,whether successful or not, from leaving the playing surface. Thebackstop 320 includes a net 322 supported by or between bottles 324 orrods 325 or any combination thereof. In operation, the optional backstop320 is placed behind the scoring structure 26 such that a shot thatpasses through or to the side of the scoring structure 26 is preventedby the net 322 from leaving the area of the playing surface, or is atleast prevented from traveling a substantial distance therefrom.Referring also to FIG. 18, where only rods 325 are used to support thenet 322, a stabilizing mechanism 327 may be attached to the bottom ofone or more of the rods 325 as an aid in keeping the rods 325 stable andupright during use. The stabilizing mechanism 327 may take the form of,for example, weights or suction cups. The backstop 320 or asubstantially similar concept may also be used with the footballembodiment of the game 200, described below.

[0050] A rule set for use with the preferred basketball embodiment ofthe game 20 is set forth as follows. As noted, however, rules may beadded, eliminated, or changed as desired without departing from thecontemplated scope of the present invention. Broadly, the game 20 ismeant to be played by one or more players who attempt to shoot the ball22 into the basket 32 to score points while (optionally) avoidingpenalties. In multi-player games, the player with the highest pointswins.

[0051] Points may be assigned based upon type of shot and level ofdifficulty. Alternatively, points may be assigned based upon distance,wherein, for example, a successful free throw from one foot away may beworth one point if the ball 22 first contacts the backboard 30, or twopoints if the ball 22 enters the rim 34 and the net 36 directly (calleda “swish”); a shot inside three feet may be worth two points, or threefor a swish; a shot outside of three feet may be worth three points, orfour for a swish. As another alternative, a combination of the twoscoring schemes may be used, wherein, for example, points are firstcalculated based upon distance and thereafter increased by a multipleassociated with shot difficulty.

[0052] A variety of shots are possible, some being more difficult thanothers: bottle shot ball 22 placed on top of open second bottle (notshown) and flicked with finger into basket 32; fall away bottle shotball 22 flicked from open second bottle as second bottle is slid awayfrom basket 32 (double points); jump shot ball 22 tossed overhand intobasket 32; hook shot ball 22 tossed backhanded into basket 32; bounceshot ball 22 must bounce off of playing surface before entering basket32; double bounce shot ball 22 must bounce twice off of playing surfacebefore entering basket 32 (double points); free throw a bounce shot,wherein ball 22 must bounce off of playing surface at least twelveinches from basket 32, or a bottle shot taken twelve inches from basket32; trick shot ball 22 bounced over, under, through, or off of anyobject on the playing surface (points based upon difficulty/creativity);low angle of floor shot ball 22 flicked from low angle on wadded napkin,spoon, or bottle cap resting on playing surface (triple points).

[0053] A number of variations of the aforementioned shots are alsopossible, including: swish any shot wherein ball 22 enters basket 32without hitting rim 34 (double points); blind shot any shot taken witheyes closed (triple points); off hand shot any shot taken withnon-dominant hand (one extra point); shot spot any shot taken from apreviously marked spot.

[0054] Additionally, the shot ring 40 may be used to increase shotdifficulty, wherein the shot ring 40 is positioned flat on the playingsurface or held in midair by another person or bottle or other suitablestructure, and the ball 22 bounced within or through the shot ring 40,respectively, prior to entering the basket 32. The shot ring 40 may beof any suitable fixed or adjustable shape and size. Alternatively, oneor more shot rings 40 of different shapes or sizes may be used either inconjunction or singly, with the shape and size determining shotdifficulty.

[0055] Penalties may be included to increase the game's overall level ofdifficulty. Preferably, penalties must be called by an opponent beforethe next shot occurs. Penalties may include: floater ball 22 lands insomeone else's drink (−5 points for the shooter, or opponent gets 5 freethrows); funky dunk ball 22 lands on an opponent's food (−5 points forthe shooter, or opponent gets 5 free throws); technical ball 22 thrownat an opponent (−5 points for the shooter, or opponent gets 5 freethrows); goal tending shot blocked within 6 inches of basket 32 (shotcounts double points).

[0056] The shot blocking device 90 may also be included to increase thegame's overall level of difficulty. Optionally, shots successful inspite of attempted blocking may result in double points. Types of shotblocking may include: ball block toss or bounce second ball atopponent's ball 22 while opponent's ball 22 is in the air; swizzle swatuse shot blocking device 90 to swat opponent's ball 22 from its path.

[0057] Different “courts” or playing configurations may be useddepending upon available space and playing environment, including: halfcourt one bottle 24 and one goal 26 for one or more players; full courttwo bottles 24 and two goals 26, each placed at opposite ends of apaying surface, for two players or two teams of one or more playerseach; super court one bottle 24 and goal 26 for each of three or moreplayers; back to back one bottle 24 placed in the center of a playingsurface with two goals affixed back-to-back to the single bottle 24, fortwo players or two teams of one or more players each; firing lineseveral bottles 24 and goals 26 positioned spaced apart in a row with awall as a backstop, for several players; refrigerator no bottle, goal 26is mounted on refrigerator; cardboard box bottle 24 is placed inside ormounted directly to one wall of a three-sided box.

[0058] A number of game variations may be employed, including BattleBall; Ring Ball; Bottle Pong; HORSE; Speed Ball; Make-It Take-It;Twenty-One; and Around the World. The Battle Ball game is played by twoor more players on a full or super court (described above). Each playerstarts with an equal number of balls. 22 Players shoot as quickly aspossible ay any player's goal 26, and may block shots. Any balls 22leaving the table are out of play; when one ball 22 remains, the playermaking a successful shot recovers the ball 22. The game ends when noballs 22 remain in play.

[0059] The Ring Ball game requires that each shot first bounce inside ashot ring 40 placed on the playing surface. Variations include one ormore shot rings 40 placed in the middle of or on each side of a full orsuper court, or one or more shot rings 40 placed at various distances ona half court.

[0060] The Bottle Pong game involves locating a bottle 24 and goal oneach end of a conventional ping pong table, and using a conventional pinpong paddle to strike the ball into the opponent's goal.

[0061] The HORSE game is substantially similar to the well-known HORSEgame played with full-size equipment. Players alternate shots; asuccessful shot by a first player must be duplicated by all otherplayers, and any player failing to duplicate the shot receives a letterfrom the word HORSE. When all letters have been received the playerloses. Longer or shorter words than HORSE may be used to lengthen orshorten the game as desired.

[0062] The Speed Ball game involves each player attempting as many shotsas possible over a timed period, such as, for example, twenty to thirtyseconds. The player making the most successful shots wins.

[0063] The Make-It Take-It game involves players alternating turns, witheach turn lasting until the player makes an unsuccessful shot attempt.The first player to reach a pre-determined number of points wins.

[0064] The Twenty-One game involves shooting from anywhere point atleast two feet from the goal. If the shot is successful, the playerattempts a free throw, and, if the free throw is successful, attemptsanother shot. If the free throw is not successful, it becomes theopposing player's turn. The first player to twenty-one points wins. Anyplayer ending a turn with seven or thirteen points losses all theirpoints and starts again.

[0065] The Around the World Game involves defining five to seven spotshots substantially in an arc around the goal 26. The player must make asuccessful shot from each spot before progressing to the next spot; amissed shot results in the next player's turn. The first player aroundthe arc of spots and back wins.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 12-16, a preferred second embodiment of thebottle ball game 200 is shown adapted for substantially mimicking thekicking aspects of football, with the general object of the game 200being to “kick” the ball 222 through the scoring structure 226, in thiscase resembling a football goal post assembly, to score points.

[0067] The scoring structure 226 comprises a goal post 300; a crossbar302; a left upright 304; and a right upright 306. Generally, the scoringstructure 226 is preferably constructed of wood, plastic or a similarlyinexpensive, lightweight, and other wise suitable material. The goalpost 300 is an elongated substantially cylindrical post, a top surfaceof which presents a tenon 310.

[0068] The crossbar 302 is an elongated substantially cylindrical posthaving a middle section 312 presenting a mortice (not shown) forreceiving the tenon 310 of the goal post 300, thereby securely couplingthe crossbar 302 with the goal post 300. The middle section 312 bisectsthe crossbar 302 into left and right sections, both of which presentsholes 314 for receiving the left and right uprights 304,306.

[0069] The left and right uprights 304,306, are each elongatedsubstantially cylindrical posts operable to fit within the holes 314provided by the crossbar 302. Where a plurality of holes 314 areprovided, the spacing of the uprights 304,306 may be varied to adjustthe difficulty of successfully kicking a ball therebetween. In apreferred embodiment, the uprights 304,306 are conventional drinkingstraws. One or more rubber bands 365 may be used to secure the uprights304,306 to the crossbar 302.

[0070] It will be appreciated that a wide variety of other mechanismsmay be used to couple the goal post 300 with the crossbar 302, and thecrossbar 302 with the uprights 304,306. Furthermore, the scoringstructure 226 may, as matter of design preference, be manufactured as anon-separable unit. Thus, the present invention is independent of anyparticular mechanism for assembling or coupling the components of thescoring structure 226, being concerned, instead, with the broad conceptof a football goal post assembly.

[0071] The football embodiment of the game 200 may be supported similarto the basketball embodiment, described above, by a bottle 224, such as,for example, a commonly available water, juice, beer, wine, or liquorbottle, or a closed plastic bottle, such as, for example, a commonlyavailable two liter, one liter, twenty ounce, or sixteen ounce softdrink bottle or other plastic bottle having a similarly sized cap. Thebottle 224 may be weighted as needed to maintain stability by addingweighting material 315 to the bottle 224 (see FIG. 15); suitableweighting materials include, for example, marbles, sand, or fluid. Thescoring structure 226 may be coupled with the bottle 224 in one of twoways. In a first embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, the retaining clip 229 isused to accomplish the coupling. In a second embodiment, shown in FIG.15, the goal post 300 is allowed to enter the bottle 224 such that thecrossbar 302 rests upon the mouth portion 244 of the bottle 224. In thislatter embodiment, it may be desirable to stabilize the scoringstructure 226 by adding weight to the goal post 300, such as, forexample, by tying commonly available washers 317 to a bottom endthereof.

[0072] As with the preferred first game described above, the preferredsecond game lends itself to a number of variations. Two kicking methodsare contemplated, both of which may use a kicking structure 316, as isshown in FIG. 12, comprising a kicking tee 318 and, optionally, a clip321 for attaching the tee 318 to the playing surface. As shown, thekicking tee 318 is operable to support the ball in a substantiallyupright kicking position.

[0073] The first kicking method involves a well-known “finger-kick”method, whereby the ball 222 is flicked from its kicking position by theplayer's index or middle finger. The second kicking method involvesstriking the ball 222 from its kicking position using a kicking device324, shown in FIG. 16, comprising a handle 326; an arm 328; and astriker 330. The handle 326 provides a mechanism whereby the player cangrasp the device 324. The arm 328 fixedly secures to or is manufacturedas part of the striker 330 and extends upwardly therefrom. A couplingmechanism 329 pivotably couples the arm 328 with the handle 326, suchthat a flip of the handle 326 transfers force to the striker 330 via thecoupling mechanism 329 and the arm 328. The striker 330 then transfersthe force to the ball 222. Thus, in use, a player grasps the handle 326,positions the striker 330 appropriately, and twists the handle 326 usinga “wrist-flipping” motion to bring the striker 330 into contact with theball 222, thereby kicking the ball 222 toward the scoring structure 226.

[0074] It will be appreciated that both the kicking tee 318 and kickingdevice 324 may be eliminated or modified, as desired, without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Points may be assigned based upon type of shot and level ofdifficulty. Alternatively, points may be assigned based upon distance,wherein, for example, a successful kick from less than three feet awaymay be worth one point; three to five feet may be worth two points; andmore than five feet may be worth three points. In yet anotheralternative, a combination of the two scoring schemes may be used,wherein, for example, points are first calculated based upon distanceand thereafter increased by a multiple associated with shot difficulty.

[0076] A variety of shots are possible, some being more difficult thanothers: tee kick ball 222 is finger-kicked or wrist-flipped from thekicking tee 318 or a bottle cap resting on the playing surface; bottlekick ball 222 is placed on top of an open bottle and finger-kicked orwrist-flipped through the goal 226; trick kick ball 222 travels over,under, through, or off of another object before going through goal 226.

[0077] Shot blocking may also be included to increase the game's overalllevel of difficulty. Optionally, shots successful in spite of attemptedblocking may result in double points. Types of shot blocking include theswizzle swat, as described above.

[0078] Different “fields” or playing configurations may be useddepending upon available space and playing environment, including: halffield 1 bottle 222 and 1 goal 226 for one or more players; full field 2bottles 222 and 2 goals 226, each placed at opposite ends of a playingsurface, for 2 players or two teams of one or more players each; superfield 1 bottle 222 and 1 goal 226 for each of several players.

[0079] From the preceding description, it will be appreciated that thegames 20,200 of the present invention are adapted to substantially mimicplaying or scoring aspects of various sports, including, for example,basketball and football, while making substantial use of inexpensiveexisting components. Although the invention has been described withreference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attacheddrawings, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutionsmade herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recitedin the claims.

[0080] For example, the components of the games 20,200 may beconstructed of a number of suitable alternative materials, includingwood, metal, plastic, or cardboard, and may be coupled with one anotherusing any suitable coupling mechanism. Furthermore, as mentioned, thegames 20,200 are substantially independent of the suggested rules andrule variations set forth herein as an aid to playing the games 20,200.

[0081] Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention,what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patentincludes the following:

1. A game that substantially mimics an aspect of a sport, the gamecomprising: a scoring structure operable to accommodate a ball in amanner substantially mimicking a scoring aspect of the sport; and amechanism for removably coupling the scoring structure with a bottle tothereby position the scoring structure for playing.
 2. The game as setforth in claim 1, wherein the bottle is an open glass bottle.
 3. Thegame as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bottle is a closed plasticbottle.
 4. The game as set forth in claim 1, wherein the bottle isweighted with a weighting material to aid stability.
 5. The game as setforth in claim 1, further including a shot ramp operable, in cooperationwith a force applied to the ball, to launch the ball upward and towardthe scoring structure.
 6. The game as set forth in claim 1, furtherincluding a backstop having a net, wherein the backstop is operable tofacilitate preventing the ball, once the ball has been launched towardthe scoring structure, from traveling substantially beyond the backstop.7. The game as set forth in claim 1, wherein the scoring structuresubstantially mimics an actual scoring structure used in the sport ofbasketball, the scoring structure comprising: a backboard providing asurface for deflecting the ball, wherein the backboard is coupled withthe bottle so as to be supported in a playing position; and a basketcoupled with the backboard and including a rim and a tubular net,wherein the rim is operable to pass the ball and the tubular net dependsfrom the rim.
 8. The game as set forth in claim 7, wherein the backboardincludes a cardboard drink coaster.
 9. The game as set forth in claim 7,wherein the scoring structure further includes a retaining clip operableto removably couple the backboard with the bottle.
 10. The game as setforth in claim 7, wherein the game further includes a ball deflectorpiece coupled with the bottle directly below the net and operable todeflect the ball back into play.
 11. The game as set forth in claim 10,wherein the ball deflector piece includes a cardboard drink coaster. 12.The game as set forth in claim 7, wherein the game further includes acircular shot ring operable to define an area wherein the ball mustappear prior to entering the basket.
 13. The game as set forth in claim7, wherein the game further includes a shot blocking device comprising ahandle coupled with a paddle and operable to block the ball fromentering the basket.
 14. The game as set forth in claim 13, wherein thehandle of the shot blocking device includes a drinking straw.
 15. Thegame as set forth in claim 7, wherein the ball is a ping pong ball. 16.The scoring structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the scoringstructure substantially mimics an actual scoring structure used in thesport of football, the scoring structure comprising: a goal postoriented substantially vertically, wherein the goal post is coupled withthe bottle so as to be supported in a playing position; a crossbaroriented substantially perpendicular to the goal post, with a midpointof the crossbar being coupled with an upper end of the goalpost; and aleft upright and a right upright both oriented perpendicular to thecrossbar, with a lower end of each upright being coupled with a left endand a right end, respectively, of the crossbar, wherein the uprights arespaced sufficiently apart so as to allow the ball to pass therebetween.17. The game as set forth in claim 16, wherein the left upright and theright upright each include a drinking straw.
 18. The game as set forthin claim 16, wherein the spacing of the left upright and the rightupright on the crossbar is variable.
 19. The game as set forth in claim16, wherein the scoring structure further includes a retaining clipoperable to removably couple the goal post with the bottle.
 20. The gameas set forth in claim 16, wherein the game further includes a kickingtee operable to support the ball in a playing position.
 21. The game asset forth in claim 20, wherein the kicking tee is operable to removablyaffix to a playing surface.
 22. The game as set forth in claim 16,wherein the game further includes a kicking device operable to transfera force to the ball.
 23. A game that substantially mimics an aspect of asport of basketball, the game comprising: a scoring structure operableto couple with a bottle and to thereby be positioned for playing, thescoring structure being further operable to accommodate a ball in amanner substantially mimicking a scoring aspect of basketball, thescoring structure including— a backboard providing a surface fordeflecting the ball, a retaining clip for coupling the backboard withthe bottle so as to position the backboard in a playing position, and abasket coupled with the backboard and including a rim and a tubular net,wherein the rim is operable to pass the ball and the tubular net dependsfrom the rim; a ball deflector piece coupled with the bottle directlybelow the net and operable to deflect the ball back into play; acircular shot ring operable to define an area wherein the ball mustappear prior to entering the basket; and a shot blocking devicecomprising a handle and a paddle and operable to block the ball fromentering the basket.
 24. The game as set forth in claim 23, wherein thebottle is an open glass bottle.
 25. The game as set forth in claim 23,wherein the bottle is a closed plastic bottle.
 26. The game as set forthin claim 23, wherein the bottle is weighted with a weighting material toaid stability.
 27. The game as set forth in claim 23, wherein thebackboard includes a cardboard drink coaster.
 28. The game as set forthin claim 23, wherein the ball deflector piece includes a cardboard drinkcoaster.
 29. The game as set forth in claim 23, wherein the handle ofthe shot blocking device includes a drinking straw.
 30. The game as setforth in claim 23, wherein the ball is a ping pong ball.
 31. The game asset forth in claim 23, further including a shot ramp operable, incooperation with a force applied to the ball, to launch the ball upwardand toward the scoring structure.
 32. A game that substantially mimicsan aspect of a sport of football, the game comprising: a scoringstructure operable to couple with a bottle and to thereby be positionedfor playing, the scoring structure being further operable to accommodatea ball in a manner substantially mimicking a scoring aspect of football,the scoring structure including— a goal post oriented substantiallyvertically, wherein the goal post is coupled with the bottle so as to besupported in a playing position, a crossbar oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the goal post, with a midpoint of the crossbar beingcoupled with an upper end of the goalpost, and a left upright and aright upright both oriented perpendicular to the crossbar, with a lowerend of each upright being coupled with a left end and a right end,respectively, of the crossbar, wherein the uprights are spacedsufficiently apart so as to allow the ball to pass therebetween; akicking tee operable to support the ball in a playing position; and akicking device operable to transfer a force to the ball.
 33. The game asset forth in claim 32, wherein the bottle is an open glass bottle. 34.The game as set forth in claim 32, wherein the bottle is a closedplastic bottle.
 35. The game as set forth in claim 32, wherein thebottle is weighted with a weighting material to aid stability.
 36. Thegame as set forth in claim 32, wherein the kicking tee is operable toremovably affix to a playing surface.
 37. The game as set forth in claim32, wherein the left upright and the right upright each include adrinking straw.
 38. The game as set forth in claim 32, wherein thespacing of the left upright and the right upright on the crossbar isvariable.
 39. The game as set forth in claim 32, wherein the scoringstructure further includes a retaining clip operable to removably couplethe goal post with the bottle.
 40. The game as set forth in claim 32,further including a backstop having a net, wherein the backstop isoperable to facilitate preventing the ball, once the ball has beenlaunched toward the scoring structure, from traveling substantiallybeyond the backstop.
 41. The game as set forth in claim 40, wherein thetwo rods are each supported by a respective bottle.